South African Safari Essentials: 13 Things to Pack

South African Safari Essentials: 13 Things to Pack

Sweeping landscapes teeming with wild animals, breathtaking sunsets, the roar of a lion as you wake up in the morning, and the sight of the clear starry sky at night. What we’ve just described is the essence of a South African safari. And it doesn’t stop here! Exhilarating game drives, walking safaris and cultural activities are just a few of the experiences offered at various safari lodges. A trip such as this is unlike any other – which means packing requires its very own checklist. There are a number of essentials you’ll need to bring to ensure that your getaway in the bush is as comfortable and pleasant as possible. So we put together a list of must-bring items to make packing for your next safari a little bit easier.

1. Safari-friendly clothing

Comfortable clothing suitable for a safari getaway should be the most important item on your packing checklist. You’re not going to the bush to make a fashion statement! You’ll need your winter woolies – even in summer – as the weather is chilly in the mornings and evenings in the bush all year round. Bring clothes that you can layer, as this will make it easier to remove warmer clothing as the day warms up. In order to enjoy the best game viewing possible, you’ll need to bring along the right colour clothing. Don’t wear bright or white clothes – these colours attract animals and increase your visibility. Opt for brown and khaki colours, as well as dark green clothing. Long sleeved shirts, t-shirts, shorts and long pants are great items to pack. Bring a warm jersey and a light rain jacket, and gloves and beanies aren’t a bad idea either in winter.

2. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sun hat

South Africa is a beautiful and sunny country, which means you’ll need to bring some form of sun-protection with you. Pack a bottle of sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and put some on before your morning game drive and top up again before your evening game drive; if you do this, you should avoid leaving your destination looking like a bright red tomato. A sun hat is a quick and easy way to protect your face and neck from the hot sun – pop one on before your next safari activity and you’re good to go! Besides protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, a pair of (dinkum) UV protection sunglasses will also dim the glare of the sun on morning and evening game drives. You’ll also look like a seasoned safari explorer with a cool pair of shades – an added bonus.

3. Toiletries

Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer will come in handy when you’re on a game drive in the middle of nowhere and you can’t get to a bathroom to wash your hands. The dry air can take a toll on your skin, so a small bottle of moisturizer and retractable lip balm will go a long way. Keep the mozzies (mosquitos) and goggas (insects) at bay with insect repellant – an item you won’t want to forget! An insect repellant with a mid to high concentration of DEET will last longer, but if you’ve got kids then buy a repellant with a lower concentration of DEET. Lastly, pack rolls of toilet paper and keep a roll with you when you’re out in the bush. Perfect for bathroom breaks in the bush or if you have a runny nose.

4. Walking shoes and flip flops

Safari lodges offer guests a wealth of thrilling safari activities, and you’ll need to be prepared to get your feet – or rather your shoes – dirty. A sturdy pair of walking shoes will guarantee comfort on walking safaris and hikes across rough and dirty terrains, keeping your feet protected and making it easier to explore the game reserve and the wildlife, fauna and flora that call it home. Wear your walking shoes in a month before your trip to ensure they’re comfortable when you arrive at your safari destination. Give your feet a break and pack a pair of flip flops to wear around the camp in between game activities.

5. Water bottle

Avoid dehydration whilst on safari and pack a water bottle. While a stainless steel water bottle is sturdy and won’t get damaged, a good plastic water bottle should also suffice. Bring a water bottle with a good seal so that it doesn’t leak, and keep it with you when you’re out on game drives. South Africa’s water is generally safe to drink, but you can purchase a water bottle with a built-in filter if you’re concerned about the quality of the water.

6. Personal first aid kit

While your safari lodge will have a first aid kit, bringing your own smaller one is a good idea. It’s the perfect way to keep all of your own medication in a safe place, and you may want to bring your own bandages and plasters for minor cuts and injuries. Items to pack in your own first aid kit include pain medication, antihistamines, antidiarrheal medication and eye drops. Pack a vitamin C supplement and preventative medication for colds and flus – you won’t want to miss out on thrilling adventures because you’re as sick as a (African Wild) dog!

7. Binoculars

While you’re sure to see tons of animals and game on your getaway, close-up wildlife encounters in the wild aren’t guaranteed. With a pair of binoculars, you’ll be able to see far and wide, enhancing your overall game viewing experience. While this item is a good investment, a pair of binoculars doesn’t need to break the bank and an inexpensive pair should do the trick. This is a must-bring for birdwatchers or those who simply wish to zoom in on the game reserve’s finer creatures and features.

8. Day bag

Perfect to put your day-time essentials in, including your sunscreen, lip balm, water bottle and camera. A backpack with comfortable straps should be sufficient and it doesn’t need to be a big bag – just the right size to fit all of the items that you’ll need on hand during the day. Stay organized and bring a bag with pockets on the inside and store all your goodies in the pockets. This way you’ll have easy access to everything you need.

9. Flashlight

Your safari guide will probably have one that they will use when guiding you to your room at night, but we’d suggest bringing your own anyway. A small pocket-size flashlight is practical, as you can keep it on you in the evenings and it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase. A headlamp is a great alternative and an easy, hands-free source of light. Don’t forget to pack some extra batteries!

10. A camera (and extra memory cards)

Whether you’re an avid photographer or your only desire is to capture the memories of your holiday, a good camera is a must for all safari-goers! Point and shoot cameras are ideal for amateur photographers, while a DSLR camera may give experienced shutterbugs the chance to show off their photography skills. To keep your camera clean, bring a lens cleaning kit with you. Dust particles can scratch your camera lens and damage your equipment, so be sure to clean your camera after game activities. You’ll want to take as many photos as possible, so pack extra memory cards. You’ll be rather disappointed to discover that your memory card is full halfway through your trip!

11. South African travel adapter

Your safari lodge should supply the correct adapters for you to use, but bring your own one just to be on the safe side. A South African adapter has three round pins and these adapters can easily be purchased online before you arrive in the country. This essential is especially important if you have a camera that needs to be charged, or you’re bringing a cell phone with you on your trip.

12. A book or a journal

Bring a good book to read when you have downtime in between game drives, safari activities and meals. Many safari lodges have stunning balconies with picturesque views, where you can sit back, relax and indulge in your favourite author’s tale. If you’re not a bookworm, bring along a journal and jot down your daily experiences. This is a great way to remember the intricate details of your journey and preserve your favourite holiday memories. This will make for a brilliant keepsake when you return home.

13. Travel docs

Without all your travel documents, you won’t get very far! Keep your passport and any other documents you may need on your person or store them in a safe place when you’re out on game drives and bush walks (make use of the safe in your room if there is one). Bring copies of your documents, and keep these in a separate spot in case your original documents get lost or stolen.

For more information on preparing for a safari, read our guest post written by Sally Duncan.

Have you visited a South African safari destination and think that we’ve missed an item or two on our list? Share your must-have checklist item or any other useful tips you may have for a wildlife getaway with us!

Tayla-Ann Rodger is a web content writer for East Cape Tours. She has an Honours degree in Media Studies from Nelson Mandela University, where she majored in English and Design and Layout. Her passions include graphic design, literature and online shopping.